Publication

This working paper examines the threat posed to Japan by China’s increasing influence over sea lines of communication (SLOCs), particularly between the Persian Gulf and East Asia. Given that a shift from American to Chinese control of these SLOCs would result in a “strategic nightmare” for Japan, the text’s author specifies four possible strategies that Tokyo could follow. The ultimate decision, however, will be China’s – i.e., will it mistakenly follow a hegemonic course, as Imperial Japan once did, or will it peacefully buy into the international status quo.